Charity wanted to get around

The biggest beer and cider festival in the North is hoping to attract a new charity partner for 2018 and 2019.

And the ability to scoop up loose change from festivalgoers across the huge floorspace of Manchester Central is not the only opportunity offered by organisers of the Manchester Beer and Cider Festival. The chosen charity will have a guaranteed income from a share of programme sales as well as a free promotional stand to increase awareness. The festival will feature the charity extensively across its website, posters and social media. In return, the charity will need to provide enough trained volunteers to enrich the experience of the expected 15,000 visitors.

Although charities are encouraged to seek sponsorship for their activities, the festival can also provide introductions to corporate supporters.

The festival has grown consistently and for 2017 will offer 30% more floorspace – and more seating – than ever before. It is organised by the combined expertise of the eight Greater Manchester CAMRA branches. Offering nineteen separate bars, it has become an essential entry in most beer lovers’ calendars.

Organiser Graham Donning said: “Although we want applications in a couple of months time, the 2017 festival in January gives potential partners to visit and see for themselves the size and scope of the event. We have had some great charities in the past – all have told us festivalgoers are a generous lot. We provide some guaranteed opportunities to raise money, but we are particularly interested to attract a partner with some innovative ideas which add to our festival.”

Charities are invited to contact the festival organiser outlining their charitable aims, the number of volunteers they would expect to assist the festival, examples of similar events they have participated in and suggestions for activities they would be willing to run. Applications should be sent to organiser (at) mancbeerfest.uk by 1st March 2017. The successful partner can expect to be chosen at the festival’s review meeting that month.

Manchester Beer and Cider Festival runs from Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st January 2017. General entry tickets are available from www.mancbeerfest.uk

Further information:

David Rigby

press (at) mancbeerfest.uk

Notes to editors:

The Manchester Beer & Cider Festival is organised by the Greater Manchester branches of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The festival will be open to the public on Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st January 2017. Detailed opening times; Thursday 12pm – 10.30pm; Friday 12pm – 10.30pm; Saturday 12pm – 7pm.

Advance tickets for the 2017 festival are on sale via mancbeerfest.uk, Eventbrite.co.uk and facebook.com/manchesterbeerfestival.

Entry prices now include £3 refundable glass hire and are from £7.

Charities partnered with in the past include Henshaws [Society for Blind People] and Breast Cancer Care.

There will be a trade/CAMRA members only preview evening between 5pm and 9pm on Wednesday 18th January. This will incorporate a press reception. Media organisations can be added to the invitation list by contacting press@mancbeerfest.uk

Follow us for all the latest news: com/manchesterbeerfestival and @MancBeerFest.